As a 501(c)(3) organization, The Pavilion strives to provide the performing arts and educational outreach programs to The Woodlands community and the Greater Houston area. Donations and financial support from our sponsors help us execute our mission.

SYMPHONY AND OPER PERFORMANCES FEATURED AT THE PAVILION IN MAY

Enjoy two great performances by Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in May. Patrons can delight in the Houston Symphony’s Maestro Graf’s Farewell Concert May 10 and Houston Grand Opera May 24 for “La bohème.” Tickets for the opera are $20 for orchestra seating. Tickets to the symphony are $15 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating at the symphony and opera are courtesy of The Wortham Foundation. All performances start at 8 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Hans Graf’s farewell season at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion May 10 at 8 p.m. for Maestro Graf’s Farewell Concert. The beloved maestro steps onto The Pavilion’s stage for the last time as Music Director of the Houston Symphony. The Symphony’s 2012-13 season is Graf’s grand finale after 12 years at the helm of this world-renowned orchestra. The symphony performs Carl Maria von Weber’s Overture to “Euryanthe,” Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” Special guest, Janina Fialkawska, joins the symphony on piano. Join us before the concert in the North Plaza for “A Toast to the Maestro,” a free wine tasting event provided by Hubbell & Hudson.

An impetuous love, the romance of Paris, and the pain of regret all unfold in Houston Grand Opera’s “La bohème.” Returning to The Pavilion’s stage after eight years is the story of Rodolfo and Mimi who meet by chance in the poet’s atelier and fall immediately in love. Mimi joins his group of impoverished, generous friends. They weather break-ups and inevitable reunions, but their love proves fragile as the light of a single candle when they confront the harsh realities of bohemian life. Four of the most talented young singers in America, all Houston Grand Opera Studio members or alumni, perform in this special presentation, along with Houston Grand Opera’s renowned chorus and orchestra.

Pre-concert activities for all three events begin at 7 p.m. in the North Plaza sponsored by Fidelity Investments, Renewal by Andersen and Century 21 Realty Partners. Activities by The Pavilion Partners and Woodforest National Bank also are included. Guests can register-to-win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House,” which includes dinner for four at the next performing arts event and participate in Fidelity’s Seat Exchange. At the symphony and opera get insight into the evening’s program with Pavilion Talk, a free pre-concert discussion led by noted music scholar and former college professor Ira J. Black from 7:15- 7:45 p.m. in the North Plaza.

At all symphonies, guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event!

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2013 Performing Arts Season is presented by The Woodlands Development Company and sponsored by Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion, The Pavilion Partners, The Wortham Foundation and United Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational outreach programs.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or look for The Pavilion on Facebook or Twitter.